I think they found it was a mistake to offer unlimited data use in terms of the network starting to clog from uses the service providers didn't predict, so they set a cap on usage. Most users will likely not even come close to hitting the 5GB cap (Movies being the exception to that).

Thanks for the Motel 6/Super 8 info. That's good to remember. I didn't know that at all

Florida is 70 MPH but most do 80 while I poke along with tow at about 55, always looking out for that single-finger, friendly wave from those passing me.Texas is 80 MPH?

Well, I weeded out two comforters, three sets of sheets, one big bath robe, a step for my door in a box that wouldn't fit my trailer that was in here when I got it, an alarm clock (what was I thinking?) and a few smaller items that I can't remember right now.

Yep, TX is 80mph and 65 at night. Big rigs are 70 and 65 at night. You won't catch me doing even 70, I figure with the 15" tires, 65 is my max, but slower if it is more comfortable for me. They can go around me!

Hi, If you found Eloy, you really are off the beaten path - amazing - went to high school down the road.

When you stay in a motel's parking lot, do you ask first or just park?

I also am interested in what you found was unneccessary. Through the years, I've done a lot of camping and car travel with my dog and learning of another's solo coping is helpful. Thanks for posts.
Pat

I asked at the Motel 6, just cause I was confused, but at the Super 8 I just parked near the big rigs in the gravel lot. Seems that is what they are there for...

Here's a tip for you and your laptop. Purchase a little 75 watt inverter that plugs directly into the cigarette lighter in your vehicle. Then, plug the laptop into it, charging while you drive. When you stop you can plug the inverter into the trailer DC plug and charge the laptop as well as use any other AC items that uses less than 75 watts.

You'll find them in guess where. WalMart auto section. I have several inverters. They are not that expense and often you find a 2 pack that's even cheaper. The bigger inverters, size wise, that have a short cord attached to the plug usually have a fan which is noisy. I've found that the small 75 that plugs directly into the outlet works for all I use.

Oh, I forgot to mention that I purchase a DC splitter which I plug into the cigarette lighter in the Jeep then I can charge both the laptop and cell phone at the same time while driving. I only use on inverter for the laptop the cell phone has a DC charger.

Thanks for the info, I have a WalMart shopping list going and have added that to it.

Another way to go is to get a 12v charger/cord for your laptop. It's a bit more efficient than going through the 110 and then back. I have one made by Targus, but there are other brands too. I do have one of those small cigarette lighter 110 inverters (that Joy mentions) for back-up, as they're so inexpensive.

So how does it work with those motels? You just go in and ask and they let you use the parking lot and all the conveniences (ice, coffee....... wi-fi?) for free? Did they ask for a fee? If not, did you compensate them anyway? I ask because I'm not very bold about those things, but if I knew "the ropes" I might be.

And yes, what are you eliminating? We're curious!

Raya

I don't think at these places with trucking parking you need to ask, at the Motel 6 the real nice woman said "Oh we don't care!" I think it is just meant to be a convience for the truckers (and me ), I did use the ice machine at each for one bucket of ice and their soda machines. I didn't load up my ice chest or anything or use the laundry facilities, for that I would have asked. There are no fees and I didn't offer anything.

Here in Texas, the speed limit for vehicles towing travel trailers is 60 in the daytime and 55 at night. The 80 mph is for "the rest." Though our state could use your hard earned money in the form of a traffic ticket fine, I would honor the posted speed limit for travel trailers. Enjoy your travels!

I never saw a sign for travel trailers, just "trucks", and I was being passed by really fast moving vehicles towing, and by big rigs, as I was doing 60 or 65. I will google the laws here shortly and just make sure I am not speeding, not that I don't want to contribute to your coffers, but...

Congratulations on your first three weeks . . . your confidence will continue to grow and it will get easier and better and "funner" the more you motor on down the road (at 55-60 mph where life is more relaxed and safe for us little trailer people). How are you connecting to the web? Wifi, or do you use an air data card to plug into your laptop? When do we log onto your blog??????

Yep, I am getting better, learned to plan on driving only about 5 hrs a day as to account for gas/potty stops, and breakdown/setup of camp. I don't need to hurry anywhere, don't know what I was thinking, must be that CA mentality I chose to leave behind . Don't know about my blog yet, got to do some research on free blogging sites, don't need an extra expense right now. I use an air card from AT&T, it is $60 a month, but I feel I need it.

Congratulations on ur first three weeks.
Love to hear more about the 13 days in the desert and pics!!

Be safe and keep ramblin along. Very interested to hear all the escapees details when you hit there.

Ah, the desert, it was very windy and when it wasn't windy pretty hot with minimal shade during the hottest part of the day. I learned to make shade by opening the back of my SUV and that created some. If you will instruct me on how to post a pic, I would be glad too.

What would you like to know about escapees? I have a huge packet they gave me I still have to go through.

I am in the same boat these days, have been full timing since march 30th, but i'm up in southern British Columbia. I envy you being down south and enjoying warmer weather. It's still dropping below 0C here (makes for some chlly nights). It is amazing how long a deep cycle battery will run a laptop with the inverter. I think they are an absolute must!

If you don't already have the data card for your laptop, that is also an incredibly handy thing to have. Sometimes i find myself feeling a bit lonely and the interent anywhere i go is a nice comfort to have.

I was parked at a motel here in southern BC and politely (or not so politely) asked (told) to leave as it was private property! hahaha. OOPS! Guess i should have asked first!

how long are you planning on full timing?

I think the trick (here in the US) is to find these motels that are near truck stops and have the gravel lots for truckers to park. I wouldn't risk just parking in the lot of any motel...LOL

As far as how long I am planning to full time, well, until I figure I don't want to do it anymore, could be the rest of my life, could be 5, 10, 20 years, I just don't know yet. This is my plan for now...

I'd love to see some pictures of your trailers. See the Tutorials for all kinds of stuff here:Basic Website Tutorials. Some of the picture ones are slightly out of date, but if you look at your screen and follow the information you'll find "like" buttons.